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US records first malaria case in over 20 years
In a recent announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that five cases of locally acquired malaria have been confirmed in Florida and Texas, marking the first occurrence of this potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease in the United States in the past two decades.
Five cases of locally acquired malaria have been confirmed in Florida and Texas, marking the first instances of the disease being contracted within the United States in 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The four cases in Florida and one in Texas were diagnosed over a two-month period. The CDC has declared malaria a medical emergency, urging individuals displaying symptoms to seek urgent evaluation.
However, the risk of malaria remains low in the US, with the majority of cases acquired during international travel, particularly in Africa. Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted by certain female mosquitoes and presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, along with potential complications like kidney failure and seizures.
Both Florida and Texas have issued health alerts, providing recommendations on mosquito control measures and encouraging clinicians to inquire about travel history when assessing patients with malaria symptoms.